Running a small business can be exhilarating, overwhelming, challenging, exhausting and rewarding all at the same time. Oh, I forgot, it can be stressful too.

We can be stressed when the phone is not ringing, stressed when it’s ringing off the hook, or stressed when an employee does not show up for work just to name a few causes of stress.

Too much stress is not good for anyone let alone a small business owner since it can lead to burnout and affect their business. How can you reduce your stress load and improve your bottom line?

Stressed Spelled Backwards

D: Delegate

You can do anything, but not everything. –Anonymous.

Small business owners wear many hats and are often unwilling to delegate tasks to their employees for fear that things will “fall apart”.

Use your employees, or if you do not have experienced individuals on staff, outsource some business functions such as HR, bookkeeping or marketing. Delegation will give you time to work on your business rather than just in it.

E: Efficiency

Because resources are limited, efficiency is important for a small business. When your business is not run efficiently, it will add to your stress. Assess your business across the board: finances, HR, marketing, and employees.

Should you start looking for new suppliers?

Do you need to outsource some business functions?

Are your employees busy improving your bottom line, or are they busy improving their score on Candy Crush?

Are you being too social with social media? Don’t waste time posting in all the wrong platforms, reach your customers through the media(s) of their choice.

Take advantage of technology to stay competitive and be more efficient. With the advent of cloud-based technology, small businesses now have access to a whole range of services and tools that would have previously cost thousands of dollars.

S: Simplify

Simplify your life:

What must be done?

What can be done?

Who can do it?

What can be eliminated?

One way to simplify your life is to say NO. It’s flattering when you are asked to chair a chamber committee or become the PTA president. But, if your workload is already heavy and you are not at the point where you can delegate some of your tasks yet, saying “yes” is just going to add to your stress load. Just say NO!

S: Surround

Surround yourself with good people to consult with. They can be friends, family and/or business associates whose opinions and judgment you value. Use your “board of advisors” to:

Bounce ideas off,

Look at your business through “fresh eyes”,

Provide a reality check or

Talk to when it becomes lonely at the top

E: Exercise

Exercise may not be your favorite thing, but it provides benefits both physically and mentally. Exercise releases feel-good endorphin and help you have a positive attitude about yourself and your life.

Take care of yourself, make time for exercise (and E: Eat Develop healthy eating habits).

R: Recharge

Take a time out. Sometimes you need to give yourself a mental break. It can be going for a walk, taking up a hobby, running out for coffee, or taking a vacation.

Walking away from a project or getting away from the day-to-day routine give your brain the rest it needs and it’s important when you need a fresh perspective.

T: Trust

Trust that you are making the right decisions for you and your business. It’s ok not to want to grow too fast because your kids are still young and need you around. It’s ok to say no when you already have too much on your plate.

Trust that you hired the right individuals that you can delegate to. Of course, have systems in place to follow up with them. Trust, but verify.

S: Success

Celebrate your success! You reached a big milestone, or finally finished that small task that you’ve been sitting on for weeks; celebrate your accomplishments (big or small) daily.

Celebrate your success and find humor in your failures. Don’t take yourself so seriously. Loosen up and everyone around you will loosen up. Have fun and always show enthusiasm. When all else fails, put on a costume and sing a silly song. – Sam Walton

STRESSED spelled backwards? It’s DESSERTS of course!

Do you have a lot of marketing ideas but no time and no staff to implement those ideas and this is stressing you out? We are here to help you GET IT DONE. Contact us today.